GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - DECEMBER 20: Odsonne Edouard of Celtic celebrates after scoring their sides second goal during the William Hill Scottish Cup final match between Celtic and Heart of Midlothian at Hampden Park National Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Rangers could command around £20 million for Nicolas Raskin this summer, according to football analysts tracking the Belgian midfielder’s World Cup performances.
Craig Swan argued that the global transfer market ultimately dictates the price, noting Raskin has featured prominently for Belgium in the latter stages of the tournament.
Fraser Wilson placed the minimum value at £15 million, suggesting it could push higher given Raskin is still only 25 years old.
Wilson added that “Rangers should bite the hand off for that kind of money for a player who hasn’t won anything in three and a half years.”
Scott Burns believes the figure could be even more significant, stating “I can see Rangers getting into nine figures” if the right club comes calling this window.
Burns noted that Raskin has moved between agents in pursuit of a transfer, making this summer the ideal time for Rangers to cash in on their prized asset.
The debate over Celtic’s striking options has proven equally divisive, with manager Martin O’Neill confirming the club remains in talks with Kelechi Iheanacho over a contract extension.
Swan suggested Iheanacho “could be a good option for Celtic with his ability to grab goals in tight situations and did enough to earn another year.”
Wilson countered that Celtic need “a better, fitter version than last season if they are to get value for money,” pointing to the striker’s repeated unavailability as a major concern.
Burns expressed surprise at O’Neill’s continued interest, saying “I just feel Celtic should be looking for more quality and reliability” given Iheanacho’s persistent fitness issues last season.
Attention has also turned to the World Cup quarter-final between Norway and England, with Erling Haaland sitting on seven goals from four games heading into the match.
Wilson warned that “if Haaland continues his form that has him sitting on seven goals from four World Cup games then England are in trouble,” describing his finishing as “frightening.”
Swan argued the threat extends beyond one player, stating “it’s not about just Haaland, it’s the whole side” and suggesting Norway have the tools to eliminate England.
Burns acknowledged Haaland’s danger but backed England to advance, saying “I fully expect Haaland to score” even in a potential Norwegian defeat.
Closer to home, the Premier Sports Cup group stage is underway, and the panel identified a handful of potential upsets worth watching across the opening fixtures.
Wilson flagged that Steven Pressley and Dundee “might be getting horrid flashbacks to this time last year” ahead of their tie with Airdrie at Dens Park.
Burns pointed to Dumbarton versus holders St Mirren as the standout upset possibility, though he ultimately backed Dundee to handle Airdrie given their squad depth advantages.
The opening weekend of Scottish football promises early drama, with squad-building still incomplete at several clubs and competitive results far from guaranteed.
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